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April 20, 2018RETAIL TRADE FEBRUARY 2018
In February 2018, Nova Scotia's seasonally adjusted retail sales increased 3.2% over January 2018 to $1.4 billion, and increased 12.9% over February 2017. The Nova Scotia retail trade index (2015=100) increased to 118.0.
In Canada February 2018, seasonally adjusted retail sales increased 0.4% over January 2018 to $49.8 billion, and increased 3.5 per cent over February 2017. The Canada retail trade index (2015=100) increased to 114.3.
Canada and the Provinces
In February 2018, seven provinces reported month-over-month increases in seasonally adjusted retail sales. The other three provinces reported declines, including Manitoba (-1.9%), Alberta (-0.3 per cent) and Newfoundland and Labrador (-0.1 per cent). Nova Scotia reported +3.2% growth and the Canadian average was +0.4% over January 2018.
All provinces except Newfoundland and Labrador, and Manitoba reported positive year-over year (Feb 2017 vs Feb 2018) retail sales growth. The largest gains were in Nova Scotia (+12.9 per cent), followed by Prince Edward Island (+9.5 per cent), and British Columbia (+5.9 per cent). The Canadian average was +3.5% year-over-year growth.
All provinces except Newfoundland and Labrador, and Manitoba reported positive year-to-date retail sales growth (Jan-Feb 2018 vs Jan-Feb 2017) . The largest gains were in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia at 7.4 per cent each. The Canadian average was +3.0 per cent year-to-date growth.
Sectors
In Nova Scotia Jan-Feb 2018, unadjusted Retail Trade increased 8.8% ($174.6 million) over Jan-Feb 2017 to $2,162.7 million.
- Motor Vehicle with a 24% share of Retail Trade increased 3.0% ($14.8 million).
- Furniture with a 3% share increased 38.7% ($15.7 million).
- Electronics with a 1% share increased 16.1% ($4.0 million).
- Building Material with a 6% share increased 21.0% ($23.5 million).
- Food & Beverage with a 23% share increased 3.4% ($16.5 million).
- Health with a 9% share increased 5.6% ($10.6 million).
- Gas Stations with a 16% share increased 24.5% ($70.1 million).
- Clothing with a 3% share increased 5.7% ($3.4 million).
- Sporting & Hobbies with a 1% share increased 4.9% ($1.5 million).
- General Merchandise with a 11% share increased 0.9% ($2.0 million).
- Misc. Stores with a 2% share increased 34.2% ($12.6 million).
Together, Motor Vehicle and Gas Stations account for a 40% share of Retail Trade .
E-Commerce
In February 2018, Canadian unadjusted retail e-commerce sales (2.7% of retail trade) increased 14.6 per cent to $1.09 billion compared to the same month last year.
Statistics Canada Cat. No. 63-005-X CANSIM 080-0020 and 080-0033
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